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A WOMAN was subjected to a terrifying car-jacking attempt after two masked men staged a fake accident.

She saw a man lying beside a bike at the side of the road and slowed down, but as she did so another man tried to open her door, then the boot then a passenger door.

The man on the ground then jumped up and also tried to get into the car, smacking the door. The woman sped off with one of the men clinging to her car.

Police say the offence, which happened at 9.45pm on Wednesday between Escrick and Stillingfleet, was “very unusual” but say it was frightening for the woman and they have urged motorists in the area to keep their doors locked while driving.

Inspector Richard Abbott, of Selby Police, said: “Clearly this was a frightening incident for the woman involved who thought she was doing the right thing by stopping to help someone who was potentially injured.

"It is imperative that anyone who witnessed this incident or can help the police to identify the men responsible, comes forward with information as soon as possible.

“This is a very unusual incident for the area and I am appealing to any motorists who saw any suspicious behaviour along that stretch of road either before or after the incident to get in touch.”

He said extensive enquiries were ongoing to trace the suspects, but urged people to be vigilant.

“At this stage we don’t know the motives behind this incident and I am urging motorists to be on their guard,” he said. “Make sure all your doors are locked while you are driving and if you do see something unusual at the side of the road, contact the emergency services rather than trying to deal with it yourself.”

Police say the woman had been driving south on the A19 and had turned off just south of Escrick, on to a road leading to the B1222 at Stillingfleet. She noticed something at the side of the road, seemingly a bike half on the grass verge and half on the road, with a man lying down beside it.

The two suspects are described as white and aged 17 to 20. One had a medium build; the other was slim. They both wore hooded tops and other dark clothing, with hats and scarves over their faces.

Police ask anyone who can help their investigation to phone Selby CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference 12120209430.

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